Writing handout 6 3 b1 advantagedisadvantageparagraph

Writing handouts for TAB1
ADVANTAGE- DISADVANTAGE PARAGRAPH
I. Definition
An advantage- disadvantage paragraph explain either advantages or disadvantages of a certain issue.
The topic sentence introduces advantage or disadvantage of an issue. The supporting sentences give
examples of specific benefits or drawbacks. The concluding sentence sums up main points.
II. Sample of an advantage- disadvantage paragraph
Topic Sentence
Supporting
sentences

Concluding
sentence
Topic Sentence

Supporting
sentences

Concluding
sentence

There are certain benefits of living in a big city. First, the opportunities for
work and promotion are much more available. For example, all major companies
are located in big cities, which attracts a number of immigrants who seek for
desirable and well-paid jobs. Another benefit of city life is its fascinating
facilities and adequate services of health care, education and entertainment. For
instance, there are more hospitals, schools and entertainment places than in the
countryside. In short, living in a big city is beneficial and worth considering.
Despite its benefits, the Internet brings about some troubles for human life.
First, the Internet has become popular with many applications but easily makes
people become addicted to Internet. Especially to students, they waste time

playing computer games, watching TV or surfing Facebook, twitter, Instagram
instead of making use of Internet’s benefits. Besides, looking at the computer
screen for a long time can also harm our eyes and make us tired. Additionally,
some people use internet for bad purpose such as providing wrong information to
abuse someone or stealing internet users’ personal information. Many user have
complained about being disturbed by calls or mails from people they don’t know.
In conclusion, the Internet not only has advantages but also disadvantages.

III. Language of giving advantages and disadvantages
1. To introduce points:
- One major advantage/merit/benefit of….is….
- A further advantage/ disadvantage of …….is…..
- Another disadvantage/ drawback/obstacle/downside…of …is…
2. To list points:
- In the first place/ first of all/ to start with ….
- Secondly/ Second,….
- Thirdly/ Third,…
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Writing handouts for TAB1

3.

4.

5.

6.

- Finally/ Last but not least,….
To add more points to the same topic:
- What is more,…
- Furthermore,
- In addition to this/that,…
- In addition,…
- Apart from that/this,…
To make contrasting points:
- On the other hand,….
- However, …….
- In spite of/ despite + N,………….
- …..while…
- Nevertheless,….
- Although/Even though ………
To introduce examples:
- For example,
- For instance,
- …..like….
- …..especially,….
- …such as….
- …..in particular,…..
To conclude:
- To sum up,
- All in all,…
- In conclusion,..
- Taking everything into account,…
- On the whole,…

Practice:
Task 1: Write full sentence based on given clues.

1. There/ several/ advantages/ take/ part/ charitable/ activities.
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2. One of/ obvious/ benefit/ study/ abroad/ that/ students/ able/ practice/ foreign language.
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Writing handouts for TAB1
3. Another/ obstacle/ travel/ abroad/ language barrier. People/ find/ hard/ communicate/ local people.
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4. Sedentary lifestyle/ bring about/ several/ health problems/ such/ short-sightedness/ backbone hurt.
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Task 2: Complete the sentence with advantage or disadvantage of a topic.
1. The first drawback of eating too much fast food is that………………………………………..
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2. Another benefit of online shopping is……………………………………………….......................
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3. One of the most outstanding advantage of using mobile phones is………………………………
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4. A further downside of being famous is……………………………………………………………...
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WRITING PRACTICE 1.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write a paragraph to discuss the benefits of doing community activities.
YOUR ANSWER

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Writing handouts for TAB1
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WRITING PRACTICE 2.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write a paragraph about the drawbacks of living in a big city.
YOUR ANSWER
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Writing handouts for TAB1

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